Wise Researchers Close in on Definition of Wisdom

14/05/2010 09:43

You may know wisdom when you see it, but scientists have yet to come of Monclerwith a concise definition.
A new survey of 30 people who study wisdom reveals wisdom has features that distinguish it from moncler jacketother similar traits, such as intelligence and spirituality.
"There are several major definitions of jacketswisdom, but no single definition that is all-inclusive and embraces every important aspect of wisdom," said study researcher Dilip V. Jeste, professor of psychiatry and neuroscience at the University of California, San Diego.
"Intelligence and spirituality share features with moncler jacketwisdom, but they are not the same thing," Jeste explained. "One can be intelligent, yet lack practical knowledge. Spirituality is often associated with age, like wisdom, but most researchers tend to define wisdom in secular terms, not spiritual."
Most of the experts agreed wisdom could be moncler downcharacterized as follows:
Wisdom is uniquely human. moncler coats
Wisdom is a form of advanced cognitive and emotional development that is experience-driven.
Wisdom is a personal quality, albeit rare.
Wisdom can be learned,moncler men increases with age and can be measured.
Wisdom is probably not enhanced by taking medication.
Participating experts rated the relevance and importance of six statements on a scale from 1 (definitely not) to 9 (definitely so) with regards to the concepts of wisdom, intelligence and spirituality; for example "the concept can be applied to human beings."
The experts were then asked to moncler vest rate the importance of 47 components, such as altruism, practical life skills, sense of humor, realism, willingness to forgive others and self-esteem, to the concepts of wisdom, intelligence and spirituality.
"One survey, of course, cannot fully and completely define wisdom," Jeste said. "The value here is that there was considerable agreement among experts that wisdom is indeed a distinct entity with a number of characteristic qualities. The data from our research should help in designing future empirical studies on wisdom."
The results are published online in the June issue ofmoncler online the journal Gerontologist.
Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Mind Sharp
10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brain
World Trivia: Challenge Your Brain
Original Story: Wise Researchers Close in on moncler saleDefinition of Wisdom
LiveScience.com chronicles the daily advances and innovations made in science and technology. We take on the misconceptions that often pop up around scientific discoveries and deliver short, provocative explanations with a certain wit and style. Check out our science videos, Trivia & Quizzes and Top 10s. Join our community to debate hot-button issues like stem cells, climate change and evolution. You can also sign up for free newsletters, register for RSS feeds and get cool gadgets at the LiveScience Store.moncler menmoncler womenmoncler coatmoncler vestmoncler online